One More Step

We are now officially homeless! We spent Christmas Day & the next day trying to pack all of our stuff into suitcases, and we have failed miserably!

On Saturday, we dragged our suitcases and miscellaneous boxes and bags to Susan's house, where we have set up camp until it is time for us to leave.

I must say I am enjoying the shorter drive to work - 10 miles as opposed to 40!

Thank you Sue, rob & Ian!

Christmas Eve.

We celebrated Christmas Eve yesterday with a trip to Rich & Diane's house. They truly have the gift of hospitality, and welcomed us all, providing a wonderful meal of beef rib roast and yummy side dishes.

Chandler and Ian are seen here honing their skills on the XBox. Preparation for college??

Judy and Joe are in the holiday spirit.....

The table was beautifully set in the dining room, but the appetizers had moved to the kitchen, and so did we.... Chef Rich is keeping an eye on the main course, and I believe our discussion in this video clip involved food - what else?

After our wonderful afternoon and evening, Tom and I then drove back to Ithaca for the Christmas Eve candlelight service at 11 PM.

In the midst of all of our preparations for moving and disposing of yet even more possessions, we felt very fortunate to have such a wonderful day. Thanks to all for the thoughtful gifts, and the extra special gifts of your time and love!

Merry Christmas to all!!

Let it SNOW !

We are now enjoying a typical central NY winter weekend. It started Friday afternoon with a storm that dropped over 8" of snow, and yes, I drove home in it. I left work early, which was probably a bad idea as the first 20 miles of road had not yet been plowed. I was traveling on the highway at about 25 miles an hour, unable to see the lane markings or even the edge of the road. I finally made it to a plowed section, and cruised home at top speeds of about 45. Not quite my normal trip!

Saturday was COLD - under 20 degrees all day, and Sunday AM we woke up to another 6" of snow.



What, me shovel? I'm pretty comfy right here...


The Arctic explorer making his way out into the wilderness...

Hopefuly this will be one of the last times we will have to do this.....We are looking forward to moving to a more temperate climate. :-)

(and by the way, the top photo of me was taken AFTER I spent a couple of hours helping to shovel. That's hat hair, not bed head!)

My computer is still in the shop

This photo was taken at Thanksgiving. I still don't have my computer back and I am going through withdrawal. Give me a week or so, and I will be sure to post again.

We are keeping busy trying to fit everything we want to take with us into 6 suitcases. It is a very freeing experince. I am reminded of the early westward bound settlers that gave up everything they owned to travel west in the 1800's. After leaving all their earthly possessions at the base of the foothills of the Allegheny mountains and later the Rocky mountains, the early settlers were left with barely the clothes on their back. Some of the early praririe mud homes contained only a canary in a cage to remind the settlers of "home" in the east. Amazing comparison to think we are traveling to Eastern Europe for our retirement years.